Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus includes a display panel, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate. The display panel includes first and second substrates facing each other. The first substrate includes a switching element connected to a pixel electrode. The driver provides a driving signal to the display panel. The controller provides a control signal to the driver. The controller includes first and second printed circuit boards spaced apart from each other. The first flexible substrate electrically connects the first and second printed circuit boards to each other. The first flexible substrate defines a first contact portion at which the first flexible substrate is connected to the first printed circuit board, a second contact portion at which the first flexible substrate is connected to the second printed circuit board, and an overlap portion overlapping the display panel and at which the first flexible substrate is attached to the display panel.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/290,055 filed Oct. 11, 2016 which claims priority to KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2015-0145559, filed on Oct. 19, 2015, and allthe benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the content ofwhich in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a display apparatus.More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to adisplay apparatus including a driver which outputs a driving signal anda method of manufacturing the display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

A display apparatus includes a display panel, a driver and a controller.The display panel includes an active area and a peripheral area which isdisposed adjacent to the active area. In addition, the driver includes agate driver and a data driver. The driver applies a driving signal tothe display panel. The controller includes a plurality of printedcircuit boards which are spaced apart from each other. The controllerapplies a control signal to the driver.

The display apparatus includes a flexible substrate electricallyconnecting the printed circuit boards to the display panel and aflexible flat cable (“FFC”) or a flexible printed circuit (“FPC”)electrically connecting the printed circuit boards.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a displayapparatus manufactured by a simplified method.

One or more exemplary embodiment of the invention also provides a methodof manufacturing the display apparatus capable of simplifyingmanufacturing of the display apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to theinvention, the display apparatus includes a display panel which displaysan image, a driver connected to the display panel, a controllerconnected to the driver and a first flexible substrate. The displaypanel includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing the firstsubstrate. The first substrate includes a switching element and a pixelelectrode which is electrically connected to the switching element. Thedriver is configured to provide a driving signal to the display panel.The controller is configured to provide a control signal to the driver.The controller includes a first printed circuit board and a secondprinted circuit board which are spaced apart from each other. The firstflexible substrate electrically connects the first printed circuit boardto the second printed circuit board. The first flexible substratedefines a first contact portion thereof at which the first flexiblesubstrate is connected to the first printed circuit board, a secondcontact portion thereof at which the first flexible substrate isconnected to the second printed circuit board and an overlap portionthereof overlapping a portion of the display panel and at which thefirst flexible substrate is attached to the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second printed circuit boardsmay be spaced apart from each other in a first direction. The firstflexible substrate may further define: a first connecting portionthereof extending in a second direction crossing the first direction toconnect the first contact portion and the overlap portion to each other;a second connecting portion thereof extending in the second direction toconnect the second contact portion and the overlap portion to eachother; and a third connecting portion extending in the first directionto connect the first connecting portion and the second connectingportion to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may include adummy line which is disposed on the first to third connecting portionsof the first flexible substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may includepolyimide.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include an active areawhich displays the image, and a peripheral area which is disposedadjacent to the active area and which does not display the image. Theoverlap portion may overlap the peripheral area of the display panel andthe first flexible substrate may be attached to the peripheral area ofthe display panel at the overlap portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion may overlap the firstsubstrate of the display panel and the first flexible substrate may beattached to the first substrate of the display panel at the overlapportion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion may overlap the secondsubstrate of the display panel and the first flexible substrate may beattached to the second substrate of the display panel at the overlapportion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driver may include a data driver. Thedata driver may include a second flexible substrate provided inplurality respectively electrically connecting the first and secondprinted circuit boards to the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include a datadriving chip provided in plurality respectively mounted on the secondflexible substrates by a chip on film (“COF”) method.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include a datadriving chip provided in plurality respectively mounted on the firstsubstrate by a chip on glass (“COG”) method.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driver may include a gate driver. Thegate driver may include a gate driving chip provided in pluralitydirectly mounted on the first substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the top plan view, the first flexiblesubstrate may have a rectangular shape.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the top plan view, the first flexiblesubstrate may have a U-shape.

In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a displayapparatus according to the invention, the method includes providing adisplay panel which displays a image and includes a first substrate anda second substrate which faces the first substrate, attaching a firstflexible substrate to the display panel by thermo-compression bondingsuch that a first portion of the first flexible substrate overlaps aportion of the display panel and attaching a second flexible substrateprovided in plurality to the display panel by thermo-compressionbonding, providing a first printed circuit board and a second printedcircuit board, and attaching the first flexible substrate to the firstand second printed circuit boards by thermo-compression bonding suchthat a second portion of the first flexible substrate different from thefirst portion respectively overlaps the first and second printed circuitboards and attaching the second flexible substrates to the first andsecond printed circuit boards by thermo-compression bonding. The firstsubstrate comprising a switching element and a pixel electrode which iselectrically connected to the switching element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate and the secondflexible substrates may be simultaneously attached to the display panelin a same thermo-compression bonding operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate and the secondflexible substrates may be simultaneously attached to the first andsecond printed circuit boards in a same thermo-compression bondingoperation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include an active areawhich displays the image and a peripheral area which is disposedadjacent to the active area and which does not display the image. Thefirst flexible substrate may be attached to the display panel at theperipheral area of the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may be attachedto the display panel at the first substrate of the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may be attachedto the display panel at the second substrate of the display panel.

According to one or more exemplary embodiment of the display apparatusand the method of manufacturing the display apparatus, a plurality ofsecond flexible substrates to electrically connect the first and secondprinted circuit boards to the display panel, and a first flexiblesubstrate to connect the first and second printed circuit boards to eachother, are simultaneously attached thereto by the thermo-compressionbonding.

Thus, according to one or more exemplary embodiment of the displayapparatus and the method of manufacturing the display apparatus, anadditional process of connecting a flexible flat cable (“FFC”) or aflexible printed circuit (“FPC”) to connect the first and second printedcircuit boards to each other in a conventional method of manufacturing adisplay apparatus is obviated such that a method of manufacturing adisplay apparatus may be simplified. In addition, according to one ormore exemplary embodiment of the display apparatus and the method ofmanufacturing the display apparatus, the manufacturing time and themanufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent by describing in detailed exemplary embodiments thereofwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of adisplay apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the display apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of afirst flexible substrate of the display apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display apparatusalong line I-I′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of adisplay apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the display apparatus of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display apparatusalong line II-II′ of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating still another exemplaryembodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view illustrating yet another exemplary embodimentof a display apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view illustrating yet another exemplary embodimentof a display apparatus according to the invention; and

FIGS. 11 to 14 are cross-sectional views and top plan views illustratingan exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatusaccording to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In manufacturing a conventional display apparatus including a displaypanel, a driver, a controller including a plurality of printed circuitboards, a flexible substrate electrically connecting the printed circuitboards to the display panel, and a flexible flat cable (“FFC”) or aflexible printed circuit (“FPC”) electrically connecting the printedcircuit boards to each other and/or to the display panel, athermos-compression bonding to connect the flexible substrate to thedisplay panel and/or to the printed circuit boards is utilized. Inaddition, in manufacturing the conventional display apparatus, anadditional process to connect the FFC or the FPC to the printed circuitboards is employed. Accordingly, the processes of manufacturing theconventional display apparatus may be relatively complex and themanufacturing time and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatusmay undesirably increase.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments areshown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms,and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forthherein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”another element, it can be directly on the other element or interveningelements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly on” another element, there are nointervening elements present.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or“section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or“an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” includesany and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or“comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or“top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understoodthat relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. Forexample, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elementsdescribed as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then beoriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term“lower,” can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and“upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure.Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented“above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath”can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and thepresent disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to crosssection illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealizedembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example,from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described asflat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover,sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the present claims.

All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “suchas”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does notpose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwiseclaimed. No language in the specification should be construed asindicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of theinvention as used herein.

Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention will beexplained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of adisplay apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview illustrating the display apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top planview illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a first flexible substrateof the display apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional viewillustrating the display apparatus along line I-I′ of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the display apparatus includes a displaypanel 100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate 500.

The display panel 100 includes or defines an active area AA displayingan image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to theactive area AA and not displaying an image. The active area AA may be adisplay area of the display panel 100 and/or the display apparatus.

The display panel 100 includes a gate line GL provided in plurallengthwise extending in a first direction D1 and a data line DL providedin plural lengthwise extending in a second direction D2 crossing thefirst direction D1. Each of the gate line GL and the data line DL definea length thereof which is larger than a width thereof, where the widthis taken perpendicular to the length. In the top plan view, for example,the length of the gate line GL extends in the first direction D1, whilethe width extends in the second direction D2. The display panel 100includes a pixel provided in plural and electrically connected to a gateline GL among the gate lines GL and a data line DL among the data linesDL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels are disposed inthe active area AA. The pixels may otherwise be referred to as displaypixels.

Each pixel includes a switching element TR, and a liquid crystalcapacitor (not shown) and a storage capacitor (not shown) which areelectrically connected to the switching element TR. The pixels may bedisposed in a matrix form in the active area AA.

The display panel 100 includes a first (display) substrate 110, and asecond (display) substrate 150 which faces the first substrate 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first substrate 110 may bean array substrate. The gate lines GL and the data lines DL may bedisposed on a base substrate (not shown) of the first substrate 110 andwithin the first substrate 110. In addition, the switching elements TRrespectively connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL may bedisposed on the first base substrate and within the first substrate 110.In addition, a pixel electrode may be disposed on the first basesubstrate and within the first substrate 110.

The second substrate 150 may be opposite to the first substrate 110. Acommon electrode of the second substrate 150 which faces the pixelelectrode PE of the first substrate 110 may be disposed on a basesubstrate (not shown) of the second substrate 150 and within the secondsubstrate 150. In an exemplary embodiment, in a cross-sectional view orthickness direction of the display panel 100, the common electrode maybe disposed on a lower surface of the base substrate of the secondsubstrate 150 to face an upper surface of the base substrate of thefirst substrate 110. In addition, a color filter (not shown) defining acolor of the pixel may be disposed on the base substrate of the secondsubstrate 150 and within the second substrate 150, such as under (e.g.,on a lower surface of) the base substrate of the second substrate 150.

An overlap area (in the top plan view) between the first substrate 110and the second substrate 150 may be substantially the same as the activearea AA of the display panel 100, such as an entirety of the overlaparea between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150. Thatis, the peripheral area PA may include only the non-overlapping area ofthe first substrate 110 relative to the second substrate 150.Alternatively, the active area AA may be defined by reducing theentirety of the overlap area by an area (in the top plan view) where asealing element (not shown) is disposed. That is, the peripheral area PAmay include the non-overlapping area of the first substrate 110 relativeto the second substrate 150 in addition to a portion of both the firstand second substrates 110 and 150 taken from outer edges thereof toand/or including an area of the sealing element.

The display panel 100 may further include an optical medium layer 170which changes orientation of light passing therethrough. In an exemplaryembodiment, the display panel 100 may include a liquid crystal layer 170disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150.Alternatively, the display panel 100 may further include an organiclight emitting layer as the optical medium layer 170 disposed betweenthe first substrate 110 and the second substrate 150.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver 300 and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel 100 todrive the display panel 100. The controller includes first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 which are spaced apart from eachother. The controller may provide a control signal to the driver tocontrol the driver.

A timing controller (not shown) and a power voltage generator (notshown) may be disposed on the first and/or second printed circuit boards200 and 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller receives input imagedata and an input control signal from an external apparatus (not shown)which is external to the timing controller. In an exemplary embodiment,the input image data may include red image data, green image data andblue image data. In an exemplary embodiment, the input control signalmay include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. In anexemplary embodiment, the input control signal may further include avertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates a firstcontrol signal, a second control signal and a data signal based on theinput image data and the input control signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates the firstcontrol signal for controlling an operation of the gate driver 300 basedon the input control signal and outputs the first control signal to thegate driver 300.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates the secondcontrol signal for controlling an operation of the data driver 400 basedon the input control signal and outputs the second control signal to thedata driver 400.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates the datasignal based on the input image data and outputs the data signal to thedata driver 400.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 300 generates gate signalsto drive the gate lines GL in response to the first control signalreceived from the timing controller. In an exemplary embodiment, thegate driver 300 sequentially outputs the gate signals to the gate linesGL.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 300 may include a gatedriving chip (not shown) provided in plural integrated on the peripheralarea PA of the display panel 100. The gate driver 300 may include thegate driving chips directly mounted (e.g., integrated) on the firstsubstrate 110, but the invention is not limited thereto.

Alternatively, the gate driver 300 may include a flexible substrateprovided in plural attached to the peripheral area PA of the displaypanel 100 and a gate driving chip provided in plural respectivelyintegrated on the flexible substrates.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver 400 receives the secondcontrol signal and the data signal from the timing controller. In anexemplary embodiment, the data driver 400 converts the data signal to adata voltage having an analog type. In an exemplary embodiment, the datadriver 400 outputs the data voltage to the data line DL.

When the display panel 100 includes the liquid crystal layer 170, thedisplay apparatus may further include a backlight assembly (not shown)disposed under the first substrate 110 and generating and providinglight to the display panel 100.

Alternatively, when the display panel 100 includes the organic lightemitting layer which generates and provides light for the display panel100 (e.g., self-emissive), the display apparatus may not include thebacklight assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the control signal provided tothe driver from the controller may include the first and second controlsignals and the data signal.

In addition, for example, the driving signal provided to the displaypanel 100 from the driver may include the gate signal and the datavoltage.

The data driver 400 may collectively include a second flexible substrate410 provided in plural respectively electrically connecting the firstand second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 to the display panel 100,and a data driving chip 420 provided in plural respectively on thesecond flexible substrates 410.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the data driving chips 420 maybe respectively mounted on the second flexible substrates 410 by a chipon film (“COF”) method. Alternatively, the data driving chips 420 may berespectively mounted on the peripheral area PA of the first substrate110 by a chip on glass (“COG”) method.

The first flexible substrate 500 may electrically connect the firstprinted circuit board 200 to the second printed circuit board 210. Thefirst flexible substrate 500 includes a first contact portion 512, asecond contact portion 522 and an overlap portion 532. The first contactportion 512 overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board 200.The first contact portion 512 electrically connects the first flexiblesubstrate 500 to the first printed circuit board 200. The first flexiblesubstrate 500 is attached to the first printed circuit board 200 at thefirst contact portion 512. The second contact portion 522 overlaps aportion of the second printed circuit board 210. The second contactportion 522 electrically connects the first flexible substrate 500 tothe second printed circuit board 210. The first flexible substrate 500is attached to the second printed circuit board 210 at the secondcontact portion 514. The overlap portion 532 overlaps a portion of thedisplay panel 100. The overlap portion 532 attaches the first flexiblesubstrate 500 to the display panel 100. The first flexible substrate 500is attached to the display panel 100 at the overlap portion 532. Theoverlap portion 532 common to both the first and second contact portions512 and 522 via connecting portions supports the first flexiblesubstrate 500.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 500 may furtherinclude a first connecting portion 510, a second connecting portion 520and a third connecting portion 530. The first connecting portion 510connects the first contact portion 512 and the overlap portion 532 toeach other. The first connecting portion 510 defines a length thereofwhich extends in the second direction D2. The second connecting portion520 connects the second contact portion 522 and the overlap portion 532to each other. The second connecting portion 520 defines a lengththereof which extends in the second direction D2. The third connectingportion 530 connects the first connecting portion 510 and the secondconnecting portion 520 to each other. The third connecting portion 530defines a length thereof which extends in the first direction D1. Thethird connecting portion 530 may be defined by an area of the firstflexible substrate 500 which does not overlap any of the display panel100, the first printed circuit board 200 or the second printed circuitboard 210.

The first flexible substrate 500 may define the first contact portion512, the second contact portion 522, the overlap portion 532, the firstconnecting portion 510, the second connecting portion 520 and the thirdconnecting portion 530. The first flexible substrate 500 may be asingle, unitary member. Any one of the first contact portion 512, thesecond contact portion 522, the overlap portion 532, the firstconnecting portion 510, the second connecting portion 520 and the thirdconnecting portion 530 may be considered as extended to define anotherone of the first contact portion 512, the second contact portion 522,the overlap portion 532, the first connecting portion 510, the secondconnecting portion 520 and the third connecting portion 530.

The first flexible substrate 500 may further include a connecting line(not shown) provided in plural extending along the first contact portion512, the first connecting portion 510, the third connecting portion 530,the second connecting portion 520 and the second contact portion 522.The connecting lines may not be provided on the overlap portion 532which overlaps the first substrate 110. The first printed circuit board200 connected to the first flexible substrate 500 may be electricallyconnected to the second printed circuit board 210 connected to the firstflexible substrate 500, through the connecting lines of the firstflexible substrate 500.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the second control signal andthe data signal outputted from the timing controller may be transmittedbetween the first and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 throughthe connecting lines of the first flexible substrate 500 commonlyconnected to both the first and second printed circuit boards 200 and210.

In addition, a power voltage generated by the power voltage generator(not shown) may be transmitted between the first and second printedcircuit boards 200 and 210 through the connecting lines of the firstflexible substrate 500 commonly connected to both the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 500 may includea material such as polyimide. The first flexible substrate 500 may havea U-shape in the top plan view.

The overlap portion 532 of the first flexible substrate 500 may overlapthe first substrate 110 and may be attached to the first substrate 110.The overlap portion 532 of the first flexible substrate 500 may overlapthe peripheral area PA of the display panel 100 and may be attached tothe peripheral area PA. The overlap portion 532 of the first flexiblesubstrate 500 may overlap only the first substrate 110, but theinvention is not limited thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 500 and thesecond flexible substrates 410 may include substantially the samematerial. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing adisplay apparatus, the first flexible substrate 500 and the secondflexible substrates 410 may be respectively attached to the displaypanel 100 and the first and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 ina same operation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the firstflexible substrate 500 and the second flexible substrates 410 may eachbe respectively attached to the display panel 100 and the first andsecond printed circuit boards 200 and 210 in a same operation orprocess, the method of manufacturing the display apparatus may besimplified and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may bereduced.

In addition, the overlap portion 532 of the first flexible substrate 500may be defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of thefirst flexible substrate 500, and such length may be larger than a widthof the flexible substrate 500 (in the second direction D2). The overlapportion 532 of the first flexible substrate 500 as a relatively largedimension of the first flexible substrate 500, is attached to the firstsubstrate 110 so that the first flexible substrate 500 may be supportedrelative to the display panel 100 by the overlap portion 532. Thus, bycommon connection to the first flexible substrate 500, reliability ofthe connection between the first and second printed circuit boards 200and 210 may be improved.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of adisplay apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 6 is a perspectiveview illustrating the display apparatus of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is across-sectional view illustrating the display apparatus along lineII-II′ of FIG. 6. The display apparatus of FIGS. 5-7 is substantiallythe same as the display apparatus of the previous exemplary embodimentexplained referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 except that the overlap portionoverlaps the second substrate. Thus, the same reference numerals will beused to refer to the same or like parts as those described in theprevious exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 and any repetitiveexplanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the display apparatus includes a displaypanel 100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate 502.

The display panel 100 includes an active area AA displaying an image anda peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AAand not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwiseextending in a first direction D1 and a plurality of data lineslengthwise extending in a second direction D2 crossing the firstdirection D1. The display panel 100 includes a plurality of pixelsrespectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the datalines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels aredisposed in the active area AA.

The display panel 100 includes a first substrate 110, and a secondsubstrate 150 which faces the first substrate 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first substrate 110 may bean array substrate. The gate lines GL and the data lines DL may bedisposed within the first substrate 110. In addition, the switchingelements TR respectively connected to the gate lines GL and the datalines DL may be disposed within the first substrate 110. In addition, apixel electrode may be disposed within the first substrate 110.

The second substrate 150 may be disposed opposite to the first substrate110. A common electrode facing the pixel electrode PE may be disposedwithin the second substrate 150. In addition, a color filter defining acolor of the pixel may be disposed within the second substrate 150.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver 300 and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel 100.The controller collectively includes first and second printed circuitboards 200 and 210 which are spaced apart from each other. Thecontroller may provide a control signal to the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a powervoltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and/or secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 300 may include a pluralityof gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PAof the display panel 100.

The data driver 400 may include a plurality of second flexiblesubstrates 410 respectively electrically connecting the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 to the display panel 100, and aplurality of data driving chips 420.

The first flexible substrate 502 may electrically connect the firstprinted circuit board 200 to the second printed circuit board 210. Thefirst flexible substrate 502 includes a first contact portion 512, asecond contact portion 522 and an overlap portion 536. The first contactportion 512 overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board 200.The first contact portion 512 electrically connects the first flexiblesubstrate 502 to the first printed circuit board 200. The second contactportion 522 overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board 210.The second contact portion 522 electrically connects the first flexiblesubstrate 502 to the second printed circuit board 210. The overlapportion 536 overlaps a portion of the display panel 100. The overlapportion 536 attaches the first flexible substrate 502 to the displaypanel 100. The overlap portion 536 common to both the first and secondcontact portions 512 and 522 via connecting portions supports the firstflexible substrate 502.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 502 may furtherinclude a first connecting portion 510, a second connecting portion 520and a third connecting portion 534. The first connecting portion 510connects the first contact portion 512 and the overlap portion 536. Thefirst connecting portion 510 defines a length thereof which extends inthe second direction D2. The second connecting portion 520 connects thesecond contact portion 522 and the overlap portion 536. The secondconnecting portion 520 defines a length thereof which extends in thesecond direction D2. The third connecting portion 534 connects the firstconnecting portion 510 and the second connecting portion 520 to eachother. The third connecting portion 534 defines a length thereof whichextends in the first direction D1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion 536 of the firstflexible substrate 502 may overlap the second substrate 150 and may beattached to the second substrate 150.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 502 and thesecond flexible substrates 410 may include substantially the samematerial. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing adisplay apparatus, the first flexible substrate 502 and the secondflexible substrates 410 may be respectively attached to the displaypanel 100 and the first and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 ina same operation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the firstflexible substrate 500 and the second flexible substrates 410 may berespectively attached to the display panel 100 and the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 in a same operation or process, themethod of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and themanufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, the overlap portion 536 of the first flexible substrate 502may be defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of thefirst flexible substrate 502, and such length may be larger than a widthof the flexible substrate 502 (in the second direction D2). The overlapportion 536 of the first flexible substrate 502, as a relatively largedimension of the first flexible substrate 502, is attached to the secondsubstrate 150 so that the first flexible substrate 502 may be supportedrelative to the display panel 100 by the overlap portion 536. Thus, bycommon connection to the first flexible substrate 502, reliability ofthe connection between the first and second printed circuit boards 200and 210 may be improved.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating still another exemplaryembodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention. Thedisplay apparatus of FIG. 8 is substantially the same as the displayapparatus of the previous exemplary embodiment explained referring toFIGS. 1 to 4 except for the shape of the first flexible substrate. Thus,the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or likeparts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1to 4 and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements willbe omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the display apparatus includes a display panel 100,a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate 504.

The display panel 100 includes an active area AA displaying an image anda peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AAand not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwiseextending in a first direction D1 and a plurality of data lineslengthwise extending in a second direction D2 crossing the firstdirection D1. The display panel 100 includes a plurality of pixelsrespectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the datalines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels aredisposed in the active area AA.

The display panel 100 includes a first substrate 110, and a secondsubstrate 150 which faces the first substrate 110.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver 300 and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel 100.The controller collectively includes first and/or second printed circuitboards 200 and 210 which are spaced apart from each other to define agap therebetween. The controller may provide a control signal to thedriver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a powervoltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 300 may include a pluralityof gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PAof the display panel 100.

The data driver 400 may include a plurality of second flexiblesubstrates 410 respectively electrically connecting the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 to the display panel 100, and aplurality of data driving chips 420.

The first flexible substrate 504 may electrically connect the firstprinted circuit board 200 to the second printed circuit board 210. Thefirst flexible substrate 504 includes a first contact portion 542, asecond contact portion 544 and an overlap portion 546. A connectingportion 540 may be commonly disposed to the first and second contactportions 542 and 544, and the overlap portion 546, to connect the firstand second contact portions 542 and 544 to the overlap portion 546. Theconnecting portion 540 may be defined by an area of the first flexiblesubstrate 504 which does not overlap any of the display panel 100, thefirst printed circuit board 200 or the second printed circuit board 210.The first contact portion 542 overlaps a portion of the first printedcircuit board 200. The first contact portion 542 electrically connectsthe first flexible substrate 504 to the first printed circuit board 200.The second contact portion 544 overlaps a portion of the second printedcircuit board 210. The second contact portion 544 electrically connectsthe first flexible substrate 504 to the second printed circuit board210. The overlap portion 546 overlaps a portion of the display panel100. The overlap portion 546 attaches the first flexible substrate 504to the display panel 100. The overlap portion 546 common to both thefirst and second contact portions 512 and 522 supports the firstflexible substrate 504.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion 546 of the firstflexible substrate 504 may overlap the first substrate 110 and may beattached to the first substrate 110. The overlap portion 546 of thefirst flexible substrate 504 may overlap only the first substrate 110and may not overlap the second substrate 150, but the invention is notlimited thereto. In addition, the first flexible substrate 504 may havean overall rectangular shape in the top plan view. A width of the firstflexible substrate 504 in the second direction D2 may be uniform acrossan entirety of the length of the first flexible substrate 504 in thefirst direction D1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 504 and thesecond flexible substrates 410 may include substantially the samematerial. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing adisplay apparatus, the first flexible substrate 504 and the secondflexible substrates 410 may be attached to the display panel 100 and thefirst and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 in a same operationor process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the firstflexible substrate 505 and the second flexible substrates 410 may berespectively attached to the display panel 100 and the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 in a same operation or process, themethod of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and themanufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, overlap portion 546 of the first flexible substrate 504 maybe defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of the firstflexible substrate 504, and such length may be larger than a width ofthe flexible substrate 504 (in the second direction D2). The overlapportion 546 of the first flexible substrate 504, as a relatively largedimension of the first flexible substrate 504, is attached to the firstsubstrate 110 so that the first flexible substrate 504 may be supportedby the overlap portion 546. Thus, by common connection to the firstflexible substrate 504, reliability of the connection between the firstand second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 may be improved.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view illustrating yet another exemplary embodimentof a display apparatus according to the invention. The display apparatusaccording to FIG. 9 is substantially the same as the display apparatusof the previous exemplary embodiment explained referring to FIGS. 1 to 4except that the first flexible substrate further includes a dummy line.Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same orlike parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 4 and any repetitive explanation concerning the aboveelements will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9, the display apparatus includes a display panel 100,a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate 506.

The display panel 100 includes an active area AA displaying an image anda peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AAand not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwiseextending in a first direction D1 and a plurality of data lineslengthwise extending in a second direction D2 crossing the firstdirection D1. The display panel 100 includes a plurality of pixelsrespectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the datalines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels aredisposed in the active area AA.

The display panel 100 includes a first substrate 110, and a secondsubstrate 150 which faces the first substrate 110.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver 300 and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel 100.The controller collectively includes first and second printed circuitboards 200 and 210 which are spaced apart from each other. Thecontroller may provide a control signal to the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a powervoltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and/or secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 300 may include a pluralityof gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PAof the display panel 100.

The data driver 400 may include a plurality of second flexiblesubstrates 410 respectively electrically connecting the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 to the display panel 100 and aplurality of data driving chips 420.

The first flexible substrate 506 may electrically connect the firstprinted circuit board 200 to the second printed circuit board 210. Thefirst flexible substrate 506 includes a first contact portion 512, asecond contact portion 522 and an overlap portion 532. The first contactportion 512 overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board 200.The first contact portion 512 electrically connects the first flexiblesubstrate 506 to the first printed circuit board 200. The second contactportion 522 overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board 210.The second contact portion 522 electrically connects the first flexiblesubstrate 506 to the second printed circuit board 210. The overlapportion 532 overlaps a portion of the display panel 100. The overlapportion 532 attaches the first flexible substrate 506 to the displaypanel 100. The overlap portion 532 common to both the first and secondcontact portions 512 and 522 via connecting portions supports the firstflexible substrate 506.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 506 may furtherinclude the first connecting portion 510, the second connecting portion520 and the third connecting portion 530. The first connecting portion510 connects the first contact portion 512 and the overlap portion 532to each other. The first connecting portion 510 lengthwise extends inthe second direction D2. The second connecting portion 520 connects thesecond contact portion 522 and the overlap portion 532 to each other.The second connecting portion 520 lengthwise extends in the seconddirection D2. The third connecting portion 530 connects the firstconnecting portion 510 and the second connecting portion 520 to eachother. The third connecting portion 530 lengthwise extends in the firstdirection D1.

In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate506 may further include a plurality of dummy lines 550 and 552 disposedon the first to third connecting portions 510, 520 and 530. The dummylines 550 and 552 may improve rigidity of the first flexible substrate506. Within the first flexible substrate 506, the dummy lines 550 and552 may be disposed on a base substrate (not shown) of the firstflexible substrate 506.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the dummy lines 550 and 552 maynot be electrically connected to other elements of the displayapparatus. The dummy lines 550 and 552 may be electrically floated. Thedummy lines 550 and 552 may include a metal material which has rigidity.The dummy lines 550 and 552 may have a U-shape in the top plan view, butthe invention is not limited thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 506 and thesecond flexible substrates 410 may include substantially the samematerial. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing adisplay apparatus, the first flexible substrate 506 and the secondflexible substrates 410 may be attached to the display panel 100 and thefirst and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 in a same operationor process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the firstflexible substrate 506 and the second flexible substrates 410 may berespectively attached to the display panel 100 and the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 in a same operation or process, themethod of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and themanufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, the overlap portion 532 of the first flexible substrate 506may be defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of thefirst flexible substrate 506, and such length may be larger than a widthof the flexible substrate 506 (in the second direction D2). The firstflexible substrate 506 further includes the dummy lines 550 and 552 sothat the rigidity of the first flexible substrate 506 may be improvedand the reliability of the connection between the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 may be improved.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view illustrating yet another exemplary embodimentof a display apparatus according to the invention. The display apparatusaccording to FIG. 10 is substantially the same as the display apparatusof the previous exemplary embodiment explained referring to FIG. 8except that the overlap portion of the first flexible substrate isomitted. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to thesame or like parts as those described in the previous exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 8 and any repetitive explanation concerning the aboveelements will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 10, the display apparatus includes a display panel100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate 508.

The display panel 100 includes an active area AA displaying an image anda peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AAand not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel 100 includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwiseextending in a first direction D1 and a plurality of data lineslengthwise extending in a second direction D2 crossing the firstdirection D1. The display panel 100 includes a plurality of pixelsrespectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the datalines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels aredisposed in the active area AA.

The display panel 100 includes a first substrate 110, and a secondsubstrate 150 which faces the first substrate 110.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver 300 and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel 100.The controller collectively includes first and second printed circuitboards 200 and 210 which are spaced apart from each other. Thecontroller may provide a control signal to the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a powervoltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and/or secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver 300 may include a pluralityof gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PAof the display panel 100.

The data driver 400 may include a plurality of second flexiblesubstrates 410 respectively electrically connecting the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 to the display panel 100 and aplurality of data driving chips 420.

The first flexible substrate 508 may electrically connect the firstprinted circuit board 200 to the second printed circuit board 210. Thefirst flexible substrate 508 includes a first contact portion 562 and asecond contact portion 564. The first contact portion 562 overlaps aportion of the first printed circuit board 200. The first contactportion 562 electrically connects the first flexible substrate 508 tothe first printed circuit board 200. The second contact portion 564overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board 210. The secondcontact portion 564 electrically connects the first flexible substrate508 to the second printed circuit board 210.

The first flexible substrate 508 may further include a connectingportion 560 connecting the first contact portion 562 and the secondcontact portion 564. The first flexible substrate 508 may have arectangular shape. A width of the first flexible substrate 508 in thesecond direction D2 may be uniform across an entirety of the length ofthe first flexible substrate 508 in the first direction D1. Theconnecting portion 560 may be defined by an area of the first flexiblesubstrate 508 which does not overlap any of the display panel 100, thefirst printed circuit board 200 or the second printed circuit board 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate 508 and thesecond flexible substrates 410 may include substantially the samematerial. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing adisplay apparatus, the first flexible substrate 508 and the secondflexible substrates 410 may be attached to the display panel 100 and thefirst and second printed circuit substrates 200 and 210 in a sameoperation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the firstflexible substrate 508 and the second flexible substrates 410 may berespectively attached to the display panel 100 and the first and secondprinted circuit substrates 200 and 210 in a same operation or process,the method of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified andthe manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, the overlap portion in FIG. 8 is omitted and the firstflexible substrate 508 is attached only to the first and second printedcircuit boards 200 and 210 so that the structure of the first flexiblesubstrate 508 may be simplified.

FIGS. 11 to 14 are cross-sectional views and top plan views illustratingan exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatusaccording to the invention. FIGS. 11 and 13 are cross-sectional viewsillustrating the method of manufacturing the display apparatus. FIGS. 12and 14 are top plan views illustrating the method of manufacturing thedisplay apparatus. While the first flexible substrate 500 of FIGS. 1 to4 is illustrated in FIGS. 11-14 for convenience of explanation, any oneof the previously described exemplary embodiments of the first flexiblesubstrates 502 to 506 may be used in the exemplary embodiment of themethod of manufacturing a display apparatus according to the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 11 and 12, a display panel 100 including afirst substrate 110 including a switching element TR and a pixelelectrode which is electrically connected to the switching element, anda second substrate 150 facing the first substrate 110 are provided. Afirst flexible substrate 500 is also prepared.

The first flexible substrate 500 and the display panel 100 are attachedto each other such as by thermo-compression bonding such that an overlapportion 532 of the first flexible substrate 500 overlaps an edge portionof the display panel 100. The first flexible substrate 500 may beattached to the display panel 100 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11,but the invention is not limited thereto. A second flexible substrate410 is provided in plural and attached to the edge portion of thedisplay panel 100 such as by thermo-compression bonding.

The second flexible substrates 410 and the first flexible substrate 500may be sequentially attached to the display panel 100 such as bythermo-compression bonding in a same process of the method ofmanufacturing the display apparatus according to the invention, but theinvention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second flexiblesubstrates 410 and the first flexible substrate 500 may besimultaneously attached to the display panel 100 such as bythermo-compression bonding, in a same process of the method ofmanufacturing the display apparatus according to the invention.

The display panel 100 includes or defines an active area AA displayingan image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to theactive area AA and not displaying an image. The first flexible substrate500 may be attached to the peripheral area PA of the display panel 100.In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first flexible substrate500 may be attached to the first substrate 110 in the peripheral area PAof the display panel 100.

Alternatively, the first flexible substrate 500 may be attached to thesecond substrate 150 in the peripheral area PA of the display panel 100.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, first and second printed circuit boards200 and 210 are provided. With the first flexible substrate 500 and thesecond flexible substrates 410 attached to the peripheral area PA of thedisplay panel 100, the first flexible substrate 500 and the first andsecond printed circuit boards 200 and 210 are connected to each othersuch as by thermo-compression bonding, such that the first contactportion 512 of the first flexible substrate 500 overlaps the firstprinted circuit board 200 and the second contact portion 522 of thefirst flexible substrate 500 overlaps the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate 500 may be attached to the first andsecond printed circuit boards 200 and 210 as indicated by the arrow inFIG. 13, but the invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, with the first flexible substrate 500 and the secondflexible substrates 410 attached to the peripheral area PA of thedisplay panel 100, the second flexible substrates 410 are respectivelyconnected to the first and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210such as by thermo-compression bonding.

The second flexible substrates 410 and the first flexible substrate 500may be sequentially attached to the first and second printed circuitboards 200 and 210 such as by thermo-compression bonding in a sameprocess of the method of manufacturing the display apparatus accordingto the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto.Alternatively, the second flexible substrates 410 and the first flexiblesubstrate 500 may be simultaneously attached to the first and secondprinted circuit boards 200 and 210 such as by thermo-compression bondingin a same process of the method of manufacturing the display apparatusaccording to the invention.

According to one or more of the exemplary embodiments according to theinvention, the first flexible substrate 500 may be attached to the firstand second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 in a same operation orprocess in which the second flexible substrates 410 are respectivelyattached to the first and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210.

Thus, an additional process of connecting the FFC or the FPC to connectthe first and second printed circuit boards to each other of theconventional method of manufacturing a display apparatus is obviated sothat the operations or processes of manufacturing the display apparatusmay be simplified.

In addition, for the first flexible substrate 500 which connects thefirst and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 to each other, theoverlap portion 532 of the first flexible substrate 500 is additionallyattached to the display panel (such as at the first substrate 110) sothat the first flexible substrate 500 is supported. In other exemplaryembodiments, for the first flexible substrate 500 which connects thefirst and second printed circuit boards 200 and 210 to each other, dummylines may be disposed in the first flexible substrate to as to increaserigidity of the first flexible substrate. Accordingly, in one or moreexemplary embodiment according to the invention, the reliability of theconnection between the first and second printed circuit boards 200 and210 may be improved.

The foregoing is illustrative of the invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments ofthe invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined inthe claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended tocover the structures described herein as performing the recited functionand not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative ofthe invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specificexemplary embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosedexemplary embodiments, as well as other exemplary embodiments, areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Theinvention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of theclaims to be included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus comprising: a display panelwhich displays an image, the display panel comprising a first substratein which a switching element and a pixel electrode which is electricallyconnected to the switching element are disposed, and a second substratefacing the first substrate; a driver connected to the display panel andconfigured to provide a driving signal to the display panel to drive thedisplay panel; a controller connected to the driver and configured toprovide a control signal to the driver to control the driver, thecontroller comprising a first printed circuit board and a second printedcircuit board which are spaced apart from each other; and a single firstflexible substrate electrically connecting the first printed circuitboard to the second printed circuit board spaced apart from the firstprinted circuit board, wherein the single first flexible substratecontacts the first printed circuit board, the second printed circuitboard and the display panel.
 2. The display apparatus of claim 1,wherein in a top plan view, the single first flexible substrate defines:a first contact portion thereof at which the single first flexiblesubstrate is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board;a second contact portion thereof at which the single first flexiblesubstrate is electrically connected to the second printed circuit board;and a third contact portion thereof at which the single first flexiblesubstrate is electrically connected to the display panel.
 3. The displayapparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second printed circuitboards are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and thesingle first flexible substrate further defines: a first connectingportion thereof extending in a second direction crossing the firstdirection to connect the first contact portion and the third contactportion to each other; a second connecting portion thereof extending inthe second direction to connect the second contact portion and the thirdcontact portion to each other; and a third connecting portion extendingin the first direction to connect the first connecting portion and thesecond connecting portion to each other.
 4. The display apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the single first flexible substrate comprises a dummyline which is disposed on the first to third connecting portions of thesingle first flexible substrate.
 5. The display apparatus of claim 1,wherein the single first flexible substrate includes polyimide.
 6. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 2, wherein the display panel comprises anactive area which displays the image and a peripheral area which isdisposed adjacent to the active area and which does not display theimage, and the third contact portion of the single first flexiblesubstrate overlaps the peripheral area of the display panel and thesingle first flexible substrate is attached to the peripheral area ofthe display panel at the third contact portion.
 7. The display apparatusof claim 2, wherein the third contact portion of the single firstflexible substrate overlaps the first substrate of the display panel andthe single first flexible substrate is attached to the first substrateof the display panel at the third contact portion.
 8. The displayapparatus of claim 2, wherein the third contact portion of the singlefirst flexible substrate overlaps the second substrate of the displaypanel and the single first flexible substrate is attached to the secondsubstrate of the display panel at the third contact portion.
 9. Thedisplay apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driver comprises a datadriver, and the data driver comprises a second flexible substrateprovided in plurality respectively electrically connecting the first andsecond printed circuit boards to the display panel.
 10. The displayapparatus of claim 9, wherein the data driver further comprises a datadriving chip provided in plurality respectively mounted on the secondflexible substrates by a chip on film method.
 11. The display apparatusof claim 9, wherein the data driver further comprises a data drivingchip provided in plurality respectively mounted on the first substrateby a chip on glass method.
 12. The display apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe driver comprises a gate driver, and the gate driver comprises a gatedriving chip provided in plurality directly mounted on the firstsubstrate.
 13. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein in a top planview, the single first flexible substrate has a rectangular shape. 14.The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein in a top plan view, the singlefirst flexible substrate has a U-shape.